Online Gambling in Delaware: Laws, Forms, and Player Behavior

Online poker is fully legal and regulated in Delaware. The state was a pioneer in this space, becoming the first in the nation to launch legal online poker in 2013. Delaware is a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which allows it to share player liquidity with other member states, including Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada. This agreement significantly boosts the player pool, leading to more cash games, bigger tournaments, and larger prize pools.

Players must be 21 or older and physically located within Delaware to participate. All online poker platforms are overseen by the Delaware Lottery and operate under strict regulations to ensure fair play and prevent collusion. As of early 2024, BetRivers is the sole authorized online poker provider in the state, offering a variety of cash games and tournaments.

The Delaware Lottery is fully legal and regulated by the state, with its revenue contributing significantly to the state's General Fund, which supports public services and education. The lottery offers a variety of games, including popular multi-state draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions, as well as state-specific games like Play 3, Play 4, and Multi-Win Lotto. Players can also purchase instant-win scratch-off tickets. While tickets must be purchased in person at one of the state's licensed retail locations, the Delaware Lottery does offer a mobile app that allows players to create digital play slips and check their tickets. The legal age to play the lottery is 18, with all winnings subject to both federal and state income taxes.

Bingo is a popular and legal form of charitable gaming in Delaware, with events commonly hosted by nonprofit organizations such as fire companies, veteran groups, and religious societies. These events are regulated by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation under the Board of Charitable Gaming. The legal age to participate in bingo is 18. There are specific rules regarding prize limits, which are set to ensure the charitable nature of the events. While there are no dedicated online bingo platforms, some of the state's authorized online casino sites may offer bingo-style games as part of their broader gaming catalog. In-person bingo is a deeply rooted tradition in the state, with all events subject to strict regulatory oversight to maintain integrity.

Charitable gaming in Delaware is legal and closely regulated, with oversight from the Delaware Board of Charitable Gaming under the Division of Professional Regulation. This framework allows qualified nonprofit and charitable organizations to host a variety of games to raise funds for their causes. Common formats include bingo, raffles, pull-tabs, and Texas Hold 'em poker tournaments. The legal age to participate is 18 for most games, though it is 21 for poker tournaments.

Organizations must obtain a permit before hosting an event, and the net proceeds must be used exclusively for charitable purposes. There are specific prize limits and reporting requirements to ensure compliance. It's important to note that online ticket sales for charitable raffles are not permitted in Delaware; all sales must be conducted in person. This focus on in-person events and strict licensing helps maintain the integrity of charitable fundraising across the state.

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) are legal and fully operational in Delaware, having been regulated since the passage of the Delaware Interactive Fantasy Contest Act in 2017. DFS is not classified as traditional gambling; rather, it's considered a skill-based contest. The Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) is the primary regulatory body, overseeing all registered platforms and ensuring they adhere to strict consumer protection policies.

Major DFS operators like DraftKings and FanDuel are available, offering a wide array of contests including salary cap games and head-to-head competitions. Participants must be 18 or older and physically located within Delaware's borders. All platforms are subject to DGE oversight, which mandates player ID and location verification, anti-collusion measures, and the segregation of player funds. The state's regulatory framework ensures a safe and fair environment while allowing players to participate in real-money contests.

While there's no specific state law in Delaware that addresses private, non-commercial social gambling, it is generally considered legal as long as the host does not profit from the games. This means that activities like a friendly poker game at a private residence or a sports pool among friends are permitted as long as the host does not take a “rake” or charge an entry fee for personal gain. Law enforcement has the authority to intervene if there is suspicion of commercial gambling without a license. Additionally, online social casinos, where players use virtual currency and no real money is exchanged, are widely available and legal in the state. These platforms are not subject to the same strict regulations as real-money online casinos, as they do not fall under the purview of the Delaware Lottery's gaming oversight.

Delaware's land-based casino landscape is unique, consisting of three racinos that combine horse racing with traditional casino gaming. These venues—Delaware Park, Bally's Dover, and Harrington Raceway & Casino—are all licensed and regulated by the Delaware Lottery. Each location offers a wide range of casino games, including slots (known as video lottery terminals), table games like blackjack and roulette, and poker rooms. Unlike some other states, Delaware does not have any tribal casinos. The minimum age for entry and to play casino games is 21, and each location has strict security and age verification protocols to ensure compliance. These racinos also serve as the physical hubs for the state's centralized online gaming and sports betting operations.